I woke up this morning to an email from what I thought had to be a prankster or a troll. Someone purporting to be health reporter Rita Rubin was asking to talk to me about a story she was writing for msnbc.com about families of gastric bypass patients.
Suuurrreeee, I thought. Tell me another one! I almost didn't write back to her. Well, I'm glad I did because it was no joke and I ended up having a very nice conversation with Ms. Rubin. The premise of her story was that families of gastric bypass patients are found to sometimes lose weight as well. She asked me if that had been my experience.
Erich hasn't lost massive amounts of weight, but his lifestyle changed right along with mine.
Erich has never been extremely overweight. When I married him, he wasn't overweight at all. As I mention in the article, I sort of dragged him down with me into my illness of inactivity and bad eating habits. I feel badly about this a lot. He was active before we met and had hobbies such as camping, swimming, etc. I wrote about our ninth-anniversary camping trip last year and what a wonderful feeling it was to give that back to him, something he loved doing so much but we were unable to share when I was so obese.
Since I've lost weight, we've not only been camping but also canoeing, ziplining, 4-wheeling and horseback riding in the Dominican Republic, and even simple things other people take for granted, like riding roller coasters take on special meaning for us.
The rest of our lives together is just beginning. I can't think of a better partner to take on the journey.
Here's a LINK to Rita's article on msnbc.com.
By the way, the trouble with my IUD that I talked about in my last blog has subsided for now. I spoke to my gynecologist and for now, we're taking a wait-and-see approach. Cross your fingers for me!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride
This past week has been challenging, health-wise. Again I must issue a disclaimer - female issue ahead!! Just sayin'.
I mentioned my surgery on Sept. 9 for the removal of a uterine cyst and insertion of an IUD, which was supposed to help my psycho-cycle. It's normal to have some breakthrough bleeding/spotting for the first few months after IUD insertion and I have definitely been experiencing that. However, a somewhat disturbing pattern is emerging.
When I exert myself physically, i.e., exercise, the bleeding is heavier. After the 5K last Sunday, the floodgates opened to the point where I ended up in the ER on Tuesday, wondering if there had been a perforation or the device had shifted or WTF was wrong with me.
I called the doc who inserted the IUD on Monday and was given an appointment for the 12th. Now listen to this: I asked his receptionist - who had previously advised me that if I had any questions to call the office - if it was normal to experience heavier bleeding after exercise like this. She said "Well, if you're seeing a pattern of bleeding after exercise then I would say that's normal."
WHAT? No...what? What the hell kind of answer is that? Ridiculous.
At the time, the bleeding was heavy but not too horrible, so I figured I'd give it a day and if it hadn't got better by Tuesday, I would call back and demand to either speak to the doctor or get an appointment that day. Lo and behold, it got worse. Much worse. So I called back on Tuesday and was told the doctor wasn't in and if the bleeding was that bad, I should go to the emergency room. Great.
The situation was such that I couldn't hide it from my co-workers or bosses. I mean, I was in the bathroom most of the day. So late afternoon, I called Erich to tell him what I was doing - I didn't see any point in him taking off work to go with me - and headed to the hospital.
I had visions of being there till the middle of the night, but I guess when I told the ER staff how much blood I was losing, they decided to get me in quickly. So in total I was only there a few hours. Nothing really happened, though. I was examined by a doctor who told me the IUD seemed to be in place. An ultrasound was ordered and I had it, but when I called my doctor - the guy who inserted it, not the ER doctor - for the results, I was told they wouldn't have them till Tuesday.
So the moral of the story is: Suck it up and get over it. I guess. Jesus.
I have an appointment Wednesday morning anyway, so whatever. At this point the bleeding has completely stopped. I have no idea what the hell happened. Several people asked me if it was my period. If it was, it was 10 days early and the heaviest, weirdest (I'll spare you the details) period I've ever had in my life. It scared the crap out of me in part because of how sudden it started, coincidentally right after the 5K and how heavy/weird it was.
I'm now in a situation where I'm a bit hesitant to exercise. If I go to the gym and push myself, will that start up another geyser of the damned? Here's the one thing I know for sure: I must exercise to maintain my weight loss and I won't allow anything to get in the way of that. Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride. So...depending on what the doctor has to say on Wednesday, I may have this thing taken out immediately.
A couple months ago, I wrote a letter to the editor of "O Magazine" and found out today they published it. A friend told me about it on Facebook. I subscribe to the magazine but haven't even had a chance to take it out of the wrapper. I ripped it open right away (LOL) and there I was! Pretty cool. The letter I wrote was in response to an article they did about makeovers for women who had lost 100 pounds or more. Two women who had weight loss surgery were featured. I was moved to express my appreciation for this as it's a rarity to see a WLS patient's success validated in the same way as a non-WLS patient. So go Oprah for that! My letter appears in the current issue (November), if you're interested in reading it.
I mentioned my surgery on Sept. 9 for the removal of a uterine cyst and insertion of an IUD, which was supposed to help my psycho-cycle. It's normal to have some breakthrough bleeding/spotting for the first few months after IUD insertion and I have definitely been experiencing that. However, a somewhat disturbing pattern is emerging.
When I exert myself physically, i.e., exercise, the bleeding is heavier. After the 5K last Sunday, the floodgates opened to the point where I ended up in the ER on Tuesday, wondering if there had been a perforation or the device had shifted or WTF was wrong with me.
I called the doc who inserted the IUD on Monday and was given an appointment for the 12th. Now listen to this: I asked his receptionist - who had previously advised me that if I had any questions to call the office - if it was normal to experience heavier bleeding after exercise like this. She said "Well, if you're seeing a pattern of bleeding after exercise then I would say that's normal."
WHAT? No...what? What the hell kind of answer is that? Ridiculous.
At the time, the bleeding was heavy but not too horrible, so I figured I'd give it a day and if it hadn't got better by Tuesday, I would call back and demand to either speak to the doctor or get an appointment that day. Lo and behold, it got worse. Much worse. So I called back on Tuesday and was told the doctor wasn't in and if the bleeding was that bad, I should go to the emergency room. Great.
The situation was such that I couldn't hide it from my co-workers or bosses. I mean, I was in the bathroom most of the day. So late afternoon, I called Erich to tell him what I was doing - I didn't see any point in him taking off work to go with me - and headed to the hospital.
I had visions of being there till the middle of the night, but I guess when I told the ER staff how much blood I was losing, they decided to get me in quickly. So in total I was only there a few hours. Nothing really happened, though. I was examined by a doctor who told me the IUD seemed to be in place. An ultrasound was ordered and I had it, but when I called my doctor - the guy who inserted it, not the ER doctor - for the results, I was told they wouldn't have them till Tuesday.
So the moral of the story is: Suck it up and get over it. I guess. Jesus.
I have an appointment Wednesday morning anyway, so whatever. At this point the bleeding has completely stopped. I have no idea what the hell happened. Several people asked me if it was my period. If it was, it was 10 days early and the heaviest, weirdest (I'll spare you the details) period I've ever had in my life. It scared the crap out of me in part because of how sudden it started, coincidentally right after the 5K and how heavy/weird it was.
I'm now in a situation where I'm a bit hesitant to exercise. If I go to the gym and push myself, will that start up another geyser of the damned? Here's the one thing I know for sure: I must exercise to maintain my weight loss and I won't allow anything to get in the way of that. Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride. So...depending on what the doctor has to say on Wednesday, I may have this thing taken out immediately.
A couple months ago, I wrote a letter to the editor of "O Magazine" and found out today they published it. A friend told me about it on Facebook. I subscribe to the magazine but haven't even had a chance to take it out of the wrapper. I ripped it open right away (LOL) and there I was! Pretty cool. The letter I wrote was in response to an article they did about makeovers for women who had lost 100 pounds or more. Two women who had weight loss surgery were featured. I was moved to express my appreciation for this as it's a rarity to see a WLS patient's success validated in the same way as a non-WLS patient. So go Oprah for that! My letter appears in the current issue (November), if you're interested in reading it.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
I Run For Life
Last Sunday I participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure, which benefits the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. My original intention was to run what I could of the 5K and walk the rest. My knees are totally shot due to a lifetime of obesity. And while losing weight has lightened the load and therefore lessened the day-to-day pain I used to endure, it certainly is still present. I can run but not an entire 5K at this point.
Well, on Saturday morning I turned around in my kitchen and nearly hit the floor like a safe. That small movement somehow twisted my right knee and I clutched my kitchen counter for dear life, saving even further injury. I started to take a tentative step and the knee said "Nuh-uh." It scared the crap out of me and OMG....so frustrating!! This happens the day before the run? I thought, "Are you kidding me? Like....are you kidding me?" I wrapped it up and tried icing it but the ice seemed to make it feel worse so I abandoned that plan quickly.
Crazily enough, the pain was worse when I was stationary; if I moved around on it - with the brace on - it didn't bother me too much. So I knew I would still be able to participate in the event but I would have to walk the entire length. I was pretty bummed about that as I was looking forward to pushing my body and seeing just how far/long I could run.
Since I only decided to participate on the previous Tuesday, imagine my shock when - by event day - I had raised a grand total of $640.00 including online and offline donations. My and Erich's co-workers, YOU my beautiful readers, our friends and family really came through and I am so touched and so proud to know all these wonderful people who chose to support both me and such a fantastic cause. My Aunt Betty would be very pleased. I've received a couple more donations since then as well. Donations can be made until October 31, so if you'd still like to give please click HERE.
It was absolutely FRIGID outside on Sunday! About 42F, 6C with a biting wind. Everyone was bundled up as best they could. I registered and signed the 'Wall of Fame' for participants then Erich and I wandered around looking at everyone's get-ups and trying to stay warm! There was a photo booth where everyone could get a free memento of the day and we listened as survivors shared their inspirational stories. I was so into these women's moving words that I forgot to take pics of them. But I got a few shots pre-startup:
I made a button with Aunt Betty's photo on it to wear. I also stuck on a couple buttons they were giving away to participants at the event. And, although you really can't see it because it's so small, I wore my small gold Centurion Club pin, the one I received from Henry Ford Hospital for losing at least 100 pounds. I pinned it up on the collar of my t-shirt.
If you look closely at the photo below on the left, you can see on my t-shirt where it says "Betty - My Aunty" on the left. I tell you, when I saw that it made me cry. Fate, right? Amazing stuff. The shirt also says "Uncle Bob" - who was Aunt Betty's husband. It also says "Cousin Lisa" - Aunt Betty's oldest daughter. She spells her name "Leesa" but wow, right? Crazy.
I was more than ready to get started, if only to get warmer! Poor Erich stood around and waited for me to finish, so by the time I was done, he was pretty much a Romanian popsicle.
Me at the starting line-up:
When we started, I teared up at bit. Me, participating in a 5K. It would've been unthinkable a couple years ago. And my dear Aunt Betty, one of the most wonderful women I've ever known. Her spirit was with me and I could feel her pride. It was moving for me.
I can honestly say I more than held my own in this walk. I was trotting right along like I always do when I exercise, the tunes on my mp3 player helping me keep up the pace. I was passing people all around me during the first leg, when we were walking on pavement. I brought a camera with me to snap a few pics along the route.
There were two routes to take: One was paved, straight and non-hilly and one was on the nature trail surrounding the campgrounds/park where the event took place. When I came to the fork I hesitated a second before choosing the nature trail. My knee was feeling fine so I decided to go for it. It was definitely more challenging, especially downhill. The knee that was not braced cursed me a few times. Plus it was more difficult to pass people on the narrow trail. And a word of advice: LEAVE THE DAMN DOGS AT HOME, PEOPLE. I am not a dog person in the first place but those dogs constantly getting in my way was really pissing me off.
Pics from the trail:
Between the rows of people blocking the narrow trail and the stupid dogs all over the place, I went a little slower than I would've liked. But I still finished in just under an hour, which everyone tells me is pretty good - average, at least. "You were going at a pretty good clip," my boss told me. He and his wife were there as she is a breast cancer survivor. They ran some of the way, he said. He is in super shape and regularly participates in long-distance biking events. He told me they finished about five to seven minutes ahead of me. And I could see there were lots and lots of people behind me.
I once yearned to be average so I should be happy about that, I guess. But next year, I'll kick average's ass.
Me crossing the finish line and afterwards:
We got the hell outta there ASAP in order to thaw my husband out. All in all it was a wonderful experience that I will definitely repeat next year.
Thanks again to everyone who took the time to give their money or words of encouragement to me. I so appreciate it, you have no idea!
The song that inspired the title of this blog:
It took me a week to get this blog out because this has been Hell Week for me. I'm still not sure why any of what happened this week occurred, but that whole thing is another blog in and of itself. I'll churn that out tomorrow since I'm off work for Thanksgiving. See you then.
Well, on Saturday morning I turned around in my kitchen and nearly hit the floor like a safe. That small movement somehow twisted my right knee and I clutched my kitchen counter for dear life, saving even further injury. I started to take a tentative step and the knee said "Nuh-uh." It scared the crap out of me and OMG....so frustrating!! This happens the day before the run? I thought, "Are you kidding me? Like....are you kidding me?" I wrapped it up and tried icing it but the ice seemed to make it feel worse so I abandoned that plan quickly.
Crazily enough, the pain was worse when I was stationary; if I moved around on it - with the brace on - it didn't bother me too much. So I knew I would still be able to participate in the event but I would have to walk the entire length. I was pretty bummed about that as I was looking forward to pushing my body and seeing just how far/long I could run.
Since I only decided to participate on the previous Tuesday, imagine my shock when - by event day - I had raised a grand total of $640.00 including online and offline donations. My and Erich's co-workers, YOU my beautiful readers, our friends and family really came through and I am so touched and so proud to know all these wonderful people who chose to support both me and such a fantastic cause. My Aunt Betty would be very pleased. I've received a couple more donations since then as well. Donations can be made until October 31, so if you'd still like to give please click HERE.
It was absolutely FRIGID outside on Sunday! About 42F, 6C with a biting wind. Everyone was bundled up as best they could. I registered and signed the 'Wall of Fame' for participants then Erich and I wandered around looking at everyone's get-ups and trying to stay warm! There was a photo booth where everyone could get a free memento of the day and we listened as survivors shared their inspirational stories. I was so into these women's moving words that I forgot to take pics of them. But I got a few shots pre-startup:
I made a button with Aunt Betty's photo on it to wear. I also stuck on a couple buttons they were giving away to participants at the event. And, although you really can't see it because it's so small, I wore my small gold Centurion Club pin, the one I received from Henry Ford Hospital for losing at least 100 pounds. I pinned it up on the collar of my t-shirt.
If you look closely at the photo below on the left, you can see on my t-shirt where it says "Betty - My Aunty" on the left. I tell you, when I saw that it made me cry. Fate, right? Amazing stuff. The shirt also says "Uncle Bob" - who was Aunt Betty's husband. It also says "Cousin Lisa" - Aunt Betty's oldest daughter. She spells her name "Leesa" but wow, right? Crazy.
I was more than ready to get started, if only to get warmer! Poor Erich stood around and waited for me to finish, so by the time I was done, he was pretty much a Romanian popsicle.
Me at the starting line-up:
When we started, I teared up at bit. Me, participating in a 5K. It would've been unthinkable a couple years ago. And my dear Aunt Betty, one of the most wonderful women I've ever known. Her spirit was with me and I could feel her pride. It was moving for me.
I can honestly say I more than held my own in this walk. I was trotting right along like I always do when I exercise, the tunes on my mp3 player helping me keep up the pace. I was passing people all around me during the first leg, when we were walking on pavement. I brought a camera with me to snap a few pics along the route.
There were two routes to take: One was paved, straight and non-hilly and one was on the nature trail surrounding the campgrounds/park where the event took place. When I came to the fork I hesitated a second before choosing the nature trail. My knee was feeling fine so I decided to go for it. It was definitely more challenging, especially downhill. The knee that was not braced cursed me a few times. Plus it was more difficult to pass people on the narrow trail. And a word of advice: LEAVE THE DAMN DOGS AT HOME, PEOPLE. I am not a dog person in the first place but those dogs constantly getting in my way was really pissing me off.
Pics from the trail:
Between the rows of people blocking the narrow trail and the stupid dogs all over the place, I went a little slower than I would've liked. But I still finished in just under an hour, which everyone tells me is pretty good - average, at least. "You were going at a pretty good clip," my boss told me. He and his wife were there as she is a breast cancer survivor. They ran some of the way, he said. He is in super shape and regularly participates in long-distance biking events. He told me they finished about five to seven minutes ahead of me. And I could see there were lots and lots of people behind me.
I once yearned to be average so I should be happy about that, I guess. But next year, I'll kick average's ass.
Me crossing the finish line and afterwards:
We got the hell outta there ASAP in order to thaw my husband out. All in all it was a wonderful experience that I will definitely repeat next year.
Thanks again to everyone who took the time to give their money or words of encouragement to me. I so appreciate it, you have no idea!
The song that inspired the title of this blog:
It took me a week to get this blog out because this has been Hell Week for me. I'm still not sure why any of what happened this week occurred, but that whole thing is another blog in and of itself. I'll churn that out tomorrow since I'm off work for Thanksgiving. See you then.
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